Remembering 9/11, honoring the life of an Ilonggo engineer

NOTE: Eleven years ago, the world witnessed an attack and terror of unprecedented magnitude that changed the lives of millions and shaped policies of governments around the world. One of those with a story to tell is the family of an Ilonggo engineer who was among those whose life was taken during the attack at the World Trade Center. Here is a reprint of the article.

The world remembers today the devastation brought by the 9/11 tragedy, the day America came under attack.

A total of 2,948 were confirmed to have died, their lives lost to the continuing violent, senseless battle of a group of ragtag army and Muslim extremists.

Two teenage girls of Ilonggo descent lost their father to the attack. Their mother, a young wife, widowed in what now stands to be the worst terror attack in American soil.

Of all days in the past years, today is best remembered by family members and loved ones of 58-year-old Ramon Grijalvo, a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

He was one of the 12 Grijalvo siblings who hailed from Guimbal, Iloilo and brother of noted pediatrician, Dr. Emiliana Grijalvo-Carmona of Arevalo, Iloilo City.

In one of the memorial set for the victims and heroes of 9/11, Ramon's daughter Rachel honors her father in words spoken from the heart.

"Ramon Grijalvo was much more than the title under his name could ever tell you. He was a devoted husband, married 23 years. He was the father of two children, 18 and 16 at the time he was taken away. I'm his daughter. I'm 20 years old now, and no matter how much time has passed, it is still so hard to see his picture here. I wish he was still here with us, but now I only have the wonderful memories he has left me. I'll always remember your laugh, Papa. And how you would clap your feet when I would play the piano. I miss you so much. I love you."

And yet another message for the world to see.

"Ramon Grijalvo was my father, and he was taken away from me when I was only 16 years old. He was the most amazing father and husband to my mother, and we will never forget him. He lived a full, happy life and knowing that eases our pain. What I miss the most about him is his laugh. Rest in Peace, Papa. I love you," posted by Rachel Grijalvo on February 8, 2005.

Ramon, an employee of Empire Blue Cross, Blue Shield was in the World Trade Center "Twin Towers" building on that fateful day of September 11, 2001.

He first set foot in America in 1963 following the petition to migrate made by his eldest sister, Dr. Gloria Grijalvo Madoramente.